Interview Three: The DC-3 and Ron Alexander...
Ron Alexander's DC-3 at Briscoe Field (LZU) in Lawrenceville, Ga. ©2009 John Slemp
Ron Alexander is well-known in aviation circles, and he loves the DC-3. He's owned an original DC-3 for over twenty years now. According to Ron, there were only about 300 aircraft built as true DC-3's. The other 10,000+ aircraft were built as C-47's, the military version. His was built as a passenger liner, and has remained so to this day.
Initially purchased as a vehicle to advertise a company he owned at the time, it has been used for many other purposes now, including as an educational tool for those who wish to become type-rated in the DC-3. It has also appeared in more than a few movies. Often spotted at various EAA chapter's across the country, he graciously offers rides for a ridiculously low price, splitting the proceeds with the host chapter.
Ron is also interested in preserving aviation history and is recreating Atlanta's original airfield (Candler Field), at Peachstate Aerodrome in Williamson, Georgia. It's a grass strip about 2400 feet long, and while flat at the top, it has a long dip down in the middle, rising back up at the other end. It hosts a local flying club, a museum, a wonderful restaurant, and is also home to Barnstormer's Workshop, a restoration shop.
Ron's interview is full of information that I hadn't heard anywhere else. Enjoy!
Created as part of the Reaching High exhibition, now currently showing at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, until 30 November, 2013.
